🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Moving Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame. Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.